Women's Soccer 9/5/2015 12:00:00 AM

Cougars, Balcer stay hot in win over Indiana Tech

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 8-ranked Spring Arbor University women's soccer team won its fourth straight match, getting two more goals from freshman Bethany Balcer to down Indiana Tech 2-1 on Saturday night.

Spring Arbor controlled the match throughout, limiting the visitors to just three shots while racking up 36 attempts and creating several dangerous chances. The Cougars also held a 13-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Despite being outplayed throughout the match, it was Indiana Tech (1-2) that struck first. The Warriors capitalized on one of their only opportunities when Megan Perrey scored from 20 yards out in the 24th minute after a failed clear attempt by the Cougar defense.

Playing from behind for the second straight match, it would not take Spring Arbor long to find the equalizer. Less than seven minutes later, sophomore Aubrey Schierbeek centered a pass from the right wing to junior Corrie Good. Good redirected the ball through a crowded box to Balcer at the back post, who snuck a shot past the Tech goalkeeper.

Balcer gave the Cougars the lead for good in the 51st minute when she calmly buried a penalty kick after the Warriors were whistled for a hand ball in the box.

Balcer, who registered 11 shots on the night, has scored in three of the last four matches, and has recorded a conference-best five goals this season.

"Indiana Tech had a game plan of sitting in, defending and playing for counter attacks," said head coach Jason Crist. "We were disappointed to give up a goal, and finishing was a test of our resolve tonight, as most of the time they defended with 10 players in their defensive third. We need to be more urgent with our chances. We are creating a massive amount of good looks in each contest. We need to be cleaner finishing them."

"We will get to work Monday as we prepare for a defining weekend next weekend, lining up with two very good top five programs in Lindsey Wilson and Martin Methodist."

Spring Arbor (4-1) will face off against the defending national champions, and No. 1 ranked, Lindsey Wilson College on Friday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. CST. The Cougars will then face No. 5 Martin Methodist College the following day with the match slated to get underway at 6 p.m. CST.

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